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Peterloo (12A)

Drama

British period drama, based on the 1819 massacre, in which British forces attack peaceful protesters in Manchester.


The critical consensus

As powerful as the final scenes are – and Leigh really shows he can handle big-scale action – it's the film's quieter moments that linger.

****(*)James Mottram, The List, 17/10/2018

Resultantly, at times, it feels a little too much like an agenda is being pushed, but this is nevertheless a powerful, pertinent piece of work.

****(*)Alex Barrett, The Skinny, 22/10/2018

Although Peterloo is polyvocal, and lends an ear to many perspectives, be in no doubt about its intention; this is not, and doesn’t pretend to be, a balanced critique of power: it’s an outright, tenacious, immutable condemnation.

****(*)Marc Nelson, Review Sphere, 23/10/2018

An earnest, colourful portrait of liberty and tyranny in 19th century England.

Adam Woodward, Little White Lies, 29/10/2018

It will ensure that the bloody events in St Peter’s Fields nearly 200 years ago are put back on the radar of politicians, historians and cultural commentators alike.

****(*)Geoffrey Macnab, The Independent, 01/11/2018

There are contemporary resonances for those who want them, but Peterloo succeeds on being an impactful recreation of a time and its injustices.

****(*)Andrew Lowery, Empire Online, 01/11/2018

Mike Leigh’s unflinching examination of the Peterloo massacre is big on historical detail but woefully short of engaging characters.

***(*)(*)Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman, 01/11/2018

Clumsy and bloated retelling of a pivotal event is an honourable failure.

**(*)(*)(*)Kevin Ibbotson-Wight, The Wee Review, 02/11/2018


Features about Peterloo (12A)

Peterloo director calls for 1819 massacre to be taught in UK school

Helen Pidd, The Guardian, 16/08/2018

Tim McInnerny on Peterloo.

Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 25/10/2018

Maxine Peake: 'I sent Mike a postcard when I found out he was making Peterloo'

David Jenkins, Little White Lies, 30/10/2018

Where and when?

General release. Check local listings for show times.

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